§ MR. CAUSTON (Southwark, W.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether claims of voters, either as lodgers or occupiers, both before and after signature by the claimants, can be sent through the post at book-post rates, notwithstanding the fact that a printed footnote is attached to the document instructing the claimants how to fill up the form?
§ *MR. RAIKESClaims of voters are allowed to pass at book-post rates provided nothing of the nature of a letter is added; and if the printed footnotes the hon. Member refers to can be put in general and impersonal terms they will not be objected to, either when the documents are sent out or when they are returned after signature.
§ MR. CAUSTONWill the right hon. Gentleman give attention to the matter in order to prevent these fidgetty and vexatious objections in regard to postal matters? Would the regulations be strictly enforced if a man wrote "or" instead of "this?" A letter appeared in the newspapers a day or two ago, in which it was pointed out that a trivial objection of that nature had led to the Post Office refusing to receive the notices.
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That is a question which ought to be put on the Paper in the usual way.
§ MR. CAUSTONWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the question?
§ *MR. RAIKESAm I to understand that the circular was printed in general terms?
§ MR. CAUSTONThe Post Office Officials looked upon the word "this" as personal.